If you can't decide between the Hyundai Santa Fe SE and SEL, then you are in the right place. To make a buying decision, you should know the highlights of each trim package. So let's take a look at which one is the better buy.
The Hyundai Santa Fe SEL comes with more safety and interior features than the SE. However, if you don't care about bells and whistles, the SE is the better buy. In addition, you will save $1,800 while still getting a great SUV.
Let's face it; shopping for a vehicle can be exhausting. That's why in this article, we will help you decide between the Hyundai Santa Fe SE and the SEL trim packages. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the Hyundai Santa Fe, so read on!
Hyundai Santa Fe SE Vs. SEL: Which To Choose?
When car shopping there are several things to consider. One of the main decisions you will have to make is what trim package to choose. Do you want all the bells and whistles, or are you looking for something more basic?
When it comes to drivetrain, both the SE and SEL have a standard FWD or AWD as an option.
However, there are some key differences when comparing the Hyundai Santa Fe SE and SEL. First off, the SEL trim package is $1,800 more than the SE. This may not seem like a lot when spending thousands of dollars, but for budget-conscious buyers, every penny counts.
The SEL trim package comes with a few more features than the SE. For safety, the SEL comes with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). If you are a person who does a lot of rush hour driving in a city, these features may be worth the extra money.
For interior features, the SEL comes with heated front seats, an 8-way power driver seat, Blue Link Connect, wireless device charging, and proximity key entry, to name a few.
As you can see, there isn't a huge difference between the two, but if you are looking for a few more features, the SEL is the way to go.
If you have any other questions about Hyundai Santa Fe SE vs. SEL or trim package, don't hesitate to ask your Hyundai dealer. They will be more than happy to help!
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe a good car?
There are definitely some things to like about the Hyundai Santa Fe. It has generous cargo space and is fuel-efficient [25 city/28 highway mpg]. In addition, consumers will receive several interior and safety features at a budget-friendly price range.
The Santa Fe is also equipped with a 2.5 L turbocharged engine that is spunky off of the line. So even if you aren't someone who likes to go fast, this engine is still a great option.
The main downside to Santa Fe is its soft suspension. This can make for a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces and may not be ideal for those who frequently drive on unpaved roads. There have also been complaints that the infotainment center can be slow.
Overall, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent car for budget-minded buyers looking for many features. It's also perfect for larger families or groups!
Is the Hyundai Santa Fe reliable?
When it comes to reliability, the newer Hyundai Santa Fe's are above average. However, they rank 2nd in reliability out of 26 mid-size SUVs. Consumers can plan to spend on average $515 annually on repairs. In comparison, all other mid-size SUVs have an average annual repair spending of $573.
Remember that it is essential to stick to the recommended maintenance schedules to keep your Santa Fe running smoothly. If you don't, you may end up paying for more expensive repairs down the line.
All in all, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a reliable car. However, following the recommended maintenance schedule is critical to keep your vehicle running like new!
What problems do the Hyundai Santa Fe have?
Before we discuss the common problems with Hyundai Santa Fe, it is essential to note that these are just general problems that have been reported. It is possible that your Santa Fe will not experience any of these issues. Nonetheless, let's take a look at the most common consumer complaints.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
The crankshaft position sensor sends signals to the engine control unit. If this sensor fails, it can cause the engine to shut down while driving.
Transmission Control Module Failure
If the transmission control module fails, it can cause several issues such as slipping gears, being unable to move the car, and even complete transmission failure.
Faulty EGR Switching Valve
The EGR [exhaust gas recirculation] system is designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. If the EGR switching valve malfunctions, it can cause the engine to stall or even go into "limp mode."
No Sound from Speakers
This problem can be caused by various things, such as a blown speaker, a disconnected wire, or even corrosion. While it won't keep your car from driving, it can be pretty frustrating when you're trying to listen to music or a podcast.
Recall on airbag computer
This recall affects many Hyundai Santa Fe's from 2003-2006 and 2010. As a result, the airbag computer may not deploy the airbags in the event of a crash, which could lead to severe injury or death.
If your car has been affected by this recall, please contact your local dealer immediately.
Crankshaft angle sensor failure
The crankshaft angle sensor sends signals to the engine control unit. If this sensor fails, it can cause the engine to shut down while driving.
What is the Hyundai warranty?
One thing to love about Hyundai is its extended factory warranty. The basic warranty is five years or 60,000 miles, but it can be extended up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
That's a lot of peace of mind! Consumers looking for a new model can rest assured knowing that the Hyundai Santa Fe will be covered for years to come.
Who makes Hyundai?
Hyundai is a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group headquartered in South Korea. The company was founded in 1967 and has since become one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world.
Hyundai also owns subsidiaries such as Kia Motors and Genesis. In the early 2000's Hyundai didn't have the best reputation for quality, but they have since made strides to improve their products.
Today, Hyundai is known for making reliable cars that are affordable for the average consumer.
Are more features worth it?
When deciding to pay more for a model with extra features, that decision is up to the individual.
Some people find that the extra features are worth the price, while others would rather save money and stick with a basic model.
Keep in mind that if you decide to add features, later on, it will likely cost more than if they were included in the original purchase.
What are the alternatives to the Hyundai Santa Fe?
If you're not interested in a Hyundai Santa Fe, there are a few other crossover SUVs to consider.
The Ford Escape is a popular alternative, as is the Honda CR-V. Both of these cars offer a variety of features and are known for being reliable.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is more affordable than many of its competitors when it comes to price.
Should I buy a used or new Hyundai Santa Fe?
This is another question that only the individual can answer. There are pros and cons to buying a used and buying a new car.
Some people find that they can get a better deal on a used car, while others prefer the peace of mind to buy a new car. The 2017-2019 Hyundai Santa Fe models all had excellent ratings, so you can feel confident that you're buying a quality product while saving some money.
Whether the car is two years old or ten years old, it is vital to check a CarFax report. A CarFax report will show you any accidents the vehicle has been in, how many owners, title status, and if it was ever a rental car.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent car for the everyday person. It has several standard features, is reliable, and is affordable. With a long factory warranty, you can feel confident that your car will be covered for years to come.
It also doesn't hurt to test drive other mid-size SUVs on the market. If you're looking for an alternative to the Honda CR-V or the Ford Escape, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a great option.
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